INCENSE (DHOOP) IN BUDDHISM

TAMANG GIRLS LIGHTNING THE INCENSE (DHOOP) STICKS FOR MORNING PRAYER

Buddhism where it has transcended mere ritualistic fumigation and gained a respectable medicinal status. "Tibetan Buddhism considers spirits as ethereal neighbors who are there for your benefit,Hence, incense sticks are the means to keep a good relation with them.

Incense was unknown in early Buddhism, which was opposed to external ritual. But, in time, its use became more general.

"It is used in the initiation of a monk; it is offered to the good spirits and lamas in the daily cult of the monasteries; it is used in exorcisms, in baptisms, and other ceremonies; it is burned in censers before the lamas at the performance of religious dramas, or in shrines."

Tibetan medicine and Tibetan religion are closely related. Hence, the usage of incense in Tibetan medicine is strongly dictated by the rituals of Tibetan Buddhism. "to treat skin diseases, Buddhist performs the nag puja where incense sticks used are made of hill flowers. Buddhist maintain a strict vegetarian diet while plucking herbs and making incense sticks. Similarly, incense sticks for purifying chhaya (shadows) have specific ingredients and it is essential to have a bath before performing the ritual."